Man held after shooting victim in street robbery bid

Police have arrested a 22-year-old man over a shooting near a busy city landmark in Valencia in which a 46-year-old was left seriously injured during what investigators say began as a robbery attempt.

The suspect was detained on Wednesday, 11 November, in the city after a weeks-long investigation by the Homicide unit of the Policía Nacional. Officers also arrested three other young men, aged between 21 and 25, on suspicion of helping to cover up the alleged gunman.

The victim and the suspect knew each other and were walking together when the younger man allegedly snatched a shoulder bag from the victim, according to the police account. The confrontation escalated and the suspect is said to have pulled out a pistol and fired at close range.

The victim, a man originally from Mali, was hit in the abdomen and taken to hospital in a serious condition. He needed surgery after the attack, which happened on 13 October near the roundabout by the Congress Palace.

Drugs and weapons allegations

Police said the firearm used was a 9mm pistol. The arrested man is being investigated for attempted murder, robbery with violence, drug offences and illegal possession of weapons.

During a search of the home where he was hiding, officers said they found a small cocaine laboratory and seized around one kilo of cocaine, about 200 grams of heroin, 300 grams of ecstasy pills, four kilos of cannabis, a blank-firing pistol, nearly €31,000 in cash and counterfeit money.

One of the three men arrested for alleged cover-up offences had an outstanding court order for his arrest over a traffic-safety offence. Of the other two, one has already appeared before a judge and the remaining two were released after giving statements, pending a court summons when required.

The alleged gunman was due to appear before a judge later on Friday.